Thiruvananthapuram: Minister for Forests K Raju told Mathrubhumi News that the Athirappilly project cannot be implemented by any means and the matter was not discussed in the Assembly. He added that no notification in this regard was received from the power department and the project has not been given any approval.

In 2001, the high court had stayed cutting trees in the area. The Ministry of Environment had cancelled the environmental clearance granted in 2001 considering the fact that it was given without hearing the public and on the basis of a study conducted during the monsoon. The environmental clearance granted in 2007 also expired in 2017. All permissions granted for the project has expired, the minister stated.

The case filed by Geetha representing Vazhachal tribal community is remaining unsettled at the high court. In fact, all are aware that the project cannot be implemented. Even if the permissions were granted, it could not have been realised, the minister added.

The power minister had stated in the Aassembly that the project can be implemented only if there is consensus. This situation is unlikely to change. Even if the allies in the Front have different opinions on the matter. The project was not discussed in the ministry, K Raju said.